Zelje (Blitva) – Silverbeet with potato and Garlic

A simple and nourishing Mediterranean staple, especially loved in Dalmatia and Montenegro. It’s one of my favourite dishes to make during a fast or after a big celebration. Light, refreshing, and beautifully wholesome.

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Zelje (Blitva) – Silverbeet with potato and Garlic

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Cuisine: European Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Dishes, Salads

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 40 mins

Description

It is a humble but absolutely delicious mix of potatoes and leafy greens—usually silverbeet or spinach—and traditionally served alongside fish.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 3 potatoes, (peeled and cut into small cubes)
• 1 bunch silverbeet (Swiss chard, spinach or any leafy greens) (white part finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• ¹⁄₄ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Freshly cracked black pepper (a lot)
• Salt, to taste (this dish likes seasoning)
• ¹⁄₂ Juice lemon

Instructions

1. Put potatoes in cold salted water, bring to a boil, and cook until starting to soften.
2. Add the chopped silverbeet stems and cook until tender.
3. Add the leaves (also chopped) , submerge, cook 5 minutes, then strain.
4. While warm, mix in garlic, olive oil, plenty of pepper, salt to taste, and lemon juice.
5. Adjust seasoning and enjoy warm or chilled.

Keywords: zelje, silverbeet, biltva, traditional, mediterranean, simple and easy, blue zone